Connecticut On-Campus Secondary Education Graduate Schools

Why Consider Secondary Education Graduate Schools?

Looking for the next step in your teaching career? Or perhaps you’re looking for an occupational change and think that teaching is a perfect fit. No matter your reason, there are different choices to choose from for secondary education graduate schools. There may be an on-campus secondary education graduate degree program that addresses your top wants and needs.

Graduate Schools with Secondary Education Programs

Earning a graduate degree in secondary education and completing the required coursework may help students improve their own classroom methods, strengthen core curriculum, or reinforce best teaching foundations – while simultaneously participating in the traditional on-campus experience.

Reviewing Secondary Education Graduate Schools: The Basics

Secondary education graduate programs may be available at different levels, with some schools offering master’s, doctorate, or graduate certificate programs. While secondary education graduate degree programs may not seem necessary, especially if you’ve already earned your teaching license, there are a surprising amount of possible benefits - even if you’re already in the classroom! For those just starting in the field, this could be a great opportunity to earn your teaching license while pursuing intensive graduate coursework.[i]

Here are a few more facts to tip the scales in favor of earning a graduate degree program in secondary education:

Some states may require teachers to earn advanced degrees a set amount of years after gaining licensure.[i] Check your state’s guidelines to ensure criteria are met.

Education admins who have earned their master’s degree may have a wage premium of $23,000 over their colleagues who earned only a bachelor’s degree[ii].

Teachers seeking career enhancement may want to consider earning a graduate degree. Roles such as instructional coordinators, administration leadership, or principals may require advanced degrees as a prerequisite.[iii]

Which On-Campus Secondary Education Graduate Degree Program Is Perfect for You?

Finding a perfect secondary education graduate degree program may seem daunting. Are you looking for a master’s degree program? How do you know if that’s a great fit? Maybe you’d be better suited for a doctoratal program? Slow down! Before you rush into your search, consider the following: what is your current level of education? What are your career goals? What coursework do you want to focus on? By deciding on these key factors – and reading the information below – your graduate program search could get a little bit easier. And a lot less intimidating!

As you search, keep in mind that some programs may require applicants to have earned their teaching license before enrollment. Check with your perspective schools to ensure that requirements are met prior to applying.

Secondary Education Master’s Programs

Admission requirements for secondary education master’s programs may vary between schools, but these may be some great guidelines if you’re thinking of earning a degree. Applicants could be required to hold a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA . In addition, you may also be asked to supply admissions with official transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays, CVs and resumes, and a professional teaching portfolio. Some schools may supply you with an admissions check list: be sure to double check it!

If you’re making a career switch, make sure your intended degree program offers a licensure track. That way, you could get to teaching as soon as you get your diploma.

When looking for a perfect program, here a few common ones you might find:

A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) on-campus with a concentration in Secondary Education may focus on core teaching concepts used in the classroom. Coursework may vary, but students could expect to cover topics such as classroom management, curriculum development and implementation, and teaching methods for diverse student populations. With course work touching on general academics addressed in grades 5-12, this may be the perfect program for those entering the educational field.

The Master of Science in Secondary Education focuses on a two prong approach: combining in-depth knowledge of core academics with intense pedagogical strengths. Students may cover common topics such as such as history, English, and STEM subjects . In addition, they may also implement in-classroom skills from recent research to better develop and support their classroom techniques.

A Master of Education in Secondary Education is another great option for those newly pursuing an educational degree because many programs may offer a licensure program congruent with normal studies. This program may focus on bringing together liberal arts education with educational research and development. This combination could be a great way to work in the classroom while simultaneously seeking to advance new teaching methods.

Secondary Education Doctoral Programs

Doctoral degree programs may be competitive in terms of admissions. Due to their emphasis on academic excellence,schools may require a GPA of 3.0 to 3.5 in addition to GRE exam scores. Along with the rigorous course of study may come a longer completion time, with many students completing required coursework in 3 to 6 years. Program lengths vary by school. In addition, many doctoral programs may require writing a dissertation in addition to the normal course load.

Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Instructional Leadership is one of the common degrees linked with secondary education. This degree program aims at molding teachers to take on leadership roles within the educational system. Coursework may emphasize implementing clinically conducted research in the classroom.Professional skills and their applications are often another facet of this program, with classes including educational policy studies and creation, conflict resolution, and using evidence-based data to back educational paradigm shifts within a district. While this degree may be suited for those who have already earned a master’s degree, it is less apt for those new to the field as it is meant to build upon pre-existing educational pedagogy.

Secondary Education Certificate Programs

Graduate certificate programs may be great for students making the switch to an educational career. Certificate programs may be a way to get into the educational field quickly – especially since some programs may not require an undergraduate degree in education. In addition, they may be a way for current teachers to test out master’s coursework before fully committing to the time frame a master’s program usually requires. Due to the reduced course load, students may expect for the program to take anywhere from 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on the school.

In terms of admission, schools may require 2.5 to 3.0 undergraduate GPA for acceptance. Coursework may vary, but common areas of study might include:

Teaching theory & method

Core curriculum

Lesson planning

Students participating in a graduate certificate program may be required to pass state licensure exams before or during enrollment, unless already completed. Be sure to check with your school to make sure criteria are met.

Accreditation

Students are not required to complete coursework from an accredited graduate degree program in order to earn a teaching license. However, accredited programs follow a standardized national education curriculum that could be a great way for employers to evaluate potential employees.

The U. S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) as a professional accrediting body for teacher preparation. The NCATE accredits schools, colleges, and departments of education in U.S. colleges and universities, as well as non-university entities that prepare educators for P-12 schools[iv].

Why Choose an On-Campus Secondary Education Degree Program?

Do you prefer an in-person learning style? Or perhaps you favor personalized academic attention? If so, you might want to consider an on-campus graduate degree program. There may be many advantages to enrolling in a campus based program, but here a few that stand out:

With scheduled class times, it might be easier to work courses into your weekly routine.

Students enrolled in on-campus degree programs could receive personalized attention from their professors. Having trouble in your course? Stop in to your professor’s office hours for some extra instructional time outside of scheduled lectures.

Classes aren’t just you and your professor – you’ll have peers! Chatting with classmates could be a great way to discuss your own teaching methods, network, or just make some new friends in your profession.

With so many campuses across the United States, you could look for a campus almost anywhere! You could search for something close to home, or look for something in a new and exciting city.

Students may have access to a wide selection of university facilities – libraries and technology labs may be open to assist with studying and research.

Find a Perfect Secondary Education Graduate Program Today!

With this information at your fingertips, finding a perfect on-campus secondary education graduate program could be as simple as a few clicks of the mouse. GradSchools.com is ready and waiting to help! To begin your search, select your preferred degree program and format to view a list of sponsored schools that address your unique requirements. To search by location, select your preferred city and state. Who knows? You may find a perfect on-campus degree program in your very own backyard today!

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